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Durham · QS World #85
Birmingham · THE World #801
Head-to-Head Summary
Based on 9 datapoints
We looked at 9 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.
8/9
Durham
scored higher in 8 categories
1/9
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
scored higher in 1 category
Quick Verdict
Durham University leads in 8 of 9 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is ahead on employment.
Durham University vs Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at a glance
Durham University and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire have one subject area in common, Music. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Royal Birmingham Conservatoire offers 54 courses across 2 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £28,460 at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is about £2,540 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £12,880 at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is about £17,620 a year cheaper.
In Music, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, Durham University is higher. In Music, the one shared subject where both publish a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher.
World & National Rankings
Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.
Visual Breakdown
Key metrics at a glance
Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.
Durham University
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Satisfaction
Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)
Graduate Salaries (5y)
Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation
Employment
Graduate employment rate
International
International student share
Course Counts
Number of courses offered
Scholarships
Number of scholarships
International Community
Where do international students come from?
Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.
Durham
86 countries · 32.6% international
- 🇨🇳China49.5%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong7.4%
- 🇮🇳India5.9%
- 🇺🇸United States4.9%
- 🇸🇬Singapore2.6%
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
69 countries · 15.9% international
- 🇮🇳India40.6%
- 🇵🇰Pakistan17.5%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria9.2%
- 🇨🇳China8.6%
- 🇧🇩Bangladesh2.8%
Subjects
1 subject you can study at both
Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.
Durham University
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Music
2 coursesTypical fee £28,500 (UG)
51 coursesTypical fee £28,460 (UG)
Only at Durham University
Only at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Fees
What it costs international students
The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.
Undergraduate
- Durham University
- £31,000
- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- £28,460
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is about £2,540 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Durham University
- £30,500
- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- £12,880
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is about £17,620 a year cheaper.
Outcomes
Graduate outcomes by subject
Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.
Durham University
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Music
£23,500Salary (3 years)£19,50097%Satisfaction95%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveDurham University
Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship
£53,333
Deadline: N/A
Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships - Undergraduate
£30,000
Deadline: N/A
The Global DBA Scholarships
£25,000
Deadline: Nov 2026
The Mary Ward Postgraduate Scholarship Fund
£25,000
Deadline: N/A
Global Grand Challenges Studentships
£20,780
Deadline: N/A
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
View all scholarships →FAQ
Durham University vs Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: common questions
Is Durham University or Royal Birmingham Conservatoire cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £28,460 at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is about £2,540 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £12,880 at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is about £17,620 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.
What subjects can you study at both Durham University and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire?
Both universities teach 1 subject area: Music.
Is Durham University or Royal Birmingham Conservatoire better for Music?
Music graduates earn a median £23,500 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £19,500 from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Student satisfaction with teaching is 97% at Durham University and 95% at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Durham University or Royal Birmingham Conservatoire offer more courses?
Durham University lists 278 courses on CourseOptions and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire lists 54 courses.
What can you study at Durham University but not at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire?
Durham University teaches 53 subject areas that Royal Birmingham Conservatoire does not, including Economics, Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Computer Science, General Engineering, Law, Politics & International Relations, Psychology (General) and 45 more.
What can you study at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire but not at Durham University?
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire teaches 1 subject area that Durham University does not, including Drama & Theatre.
Ready to explore courses?
Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.